The Five Pillars of Faith form the basis of Muslim life. They are important rituals athat every Muslim performs.
The Five Pillars of Faith form the basis of Muslim life. They are important rituals athat every Muslim performs.


Pillar One: The shahada, or admission of faith: Stating: "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet."
The shahada written in Arabic.
The shahada written in Arabic.

Pillar Two: ​The salah, or daily prayer: Muslims pray five times each day, in the morning, at noon, at mid-afternoon, just after sunset, and after nightfall. Some Muslims may offer voluntary prayers after their noon and sunset prayers.
A man performing one of the many daily prayers.
A man performing one of the many daily prayers.

Pillar Three: The zakat, or alms-giving: All Muslims donate funds, or alms, to the poor if they are able to.
Funds that have been donated for Ramadan.
Funds that have been donated for Ramadan.

Pillar Four: The sawm, or ritual fasting: During the month of Ramadan, all Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, and cursing, among other things, from sunrise to sunset each day.
Muslims performing ritual fasting during Ramadan.
Muslims performing ritual fasting during Ramadan.

Pillar Five: The hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca: Everyone who is able to must make the hajj at least once in their lifetime. It is meant to symbolize equality between all races and faiths.
Muslims taking tha annual hajj to Mecca.
Muslims taking tha annual hajj to Mecca.